Celebrate the Sounds of the Season in the Smoky Mountains

By Jon Hoffman Since the first Christmas carol was written, music has played a large part in this holiday celebration. Both religious and secular songs help us get into a seasonal mood every year. When those familiar tunes start repeating in your head, it's time to go to the Smokies for some of the most spectacular productions around. Your Christmas Favorites Country Tonite theater in Pigeon Forge presents a program filled with holiday-favorite tunes and stories. This nostalgic production is bound to bring back some of your beloved childhood memories and make a few new ones for your kids. Frosty and Santa are just two of the cherished characters that grace the stage of this elaborate presentation. You'll see the ballerina from Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy as well as a host of toys that come to life right before your eyes. Performances are at 3pm or 8pm practically every day to give you plenty of opportunities to catch the Christmas spirit. A Very Dolly Christmas Dollywood doesn't disappoint this year as it brings back some longtime hits and adds a new spin on the holidays. "Christmas in the Smokies" is back again this year. A 12-piece cast and seven-piece band perform seasonal favorites you can sing along with. "Appalachian Christmas" is another hit you can catch while at Dollywood. Acoustic bluegrass and country holiday music rings out in authentic Smokies style. Dolly herself has even been known to make a cameo appearance from time to time. "Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs" returns in 2011. This award-winning quartet fills the arena with gorgeous carols, hymns and other songs that help you remember the reason for the season. If you're looking for a new holiday favorite, don't miss Dollywood's newest performance, "Christmas on Ice." Your favorite seasonal music sets the stage for a breathtaking display of skill and talent from the Ice Theater of New York. A Christmas Spectacular The Smoky Mountain Opry's "Christmas Spectacular" is sure to become a family tradition. With a brand-new show for 2011, this family-friendly performance highlights singers, dancers, musicians and more. Shows are at 3pm and/or 8pm daily. Before you attend, save some time to visit the Smoky Mountain Opry's Christmasfest Village. Over a million lights encompass the Christmas Carousel, outdoor ice-skating rink, Ferris wheel and more. Horse-drawn carriages and Santa's train rides are available, as well as a yummy s'mores pit, a choreographed laser light show and lots of holiday crafts vendors. Ring in the season with a celebration of music the Smoky Mountains way. Bring the whole family for the day, the weekend or the week. With so much to see and do, you'll find many performances that will have you humming till New Year’s.